THE YPRES TIMES
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the command of Rear-Admiral the Honourable Horace Hood,* flying his flag in
H.M.S. Attentive, accompanied by six destroyers. On the 18th the three monitors
joined his flag, and the memorable series of naval operations on the Belgian coast
began.
The duties of the Flotilla were to prevent the movement of large bodies of
German troops along the coast road from Ostend to Nieuport; to support the left
flank of the Belgian Army; and to prevent any movement by sea of enemy troops.
At daylight on the 18th the flotilla received its baptism of fire. Led by the
Admiral, the ships proceeded along the coast, first east then west, between Nieuport
and Ostend, within one and a half miles of the shore, with the purpose of drawing
the fire of the enemy. Not a sign of life was to be seen, although information
had been received that German infantry were already in Westende village and that
a battery was in action in Westende Bains. Further, it was known that the enemy
were continuing their advance along the Nieuport Road and were billeting in the
numerous villas behind the sand dunes.
After the second run to the eastward the flagship opened fire with two rounds,
but there was no reply from the enemy. They were, however, not to remain silent
long, for, on the third run to the westward, a brisk shrapnel fire was opened from
the shore and was immediately replied to by all ships, and thus commenced the
Killed at Battle of Jutland.
